Leg protecting apparatus

ABSTRACT

The leg protecting apparatus is used for protecting the calf of the leg and/or clothing worn near the calf of the leg from getting soiled by the chain oil of a bicycle&#39;s chain. The leg protecting apparatus comprises a cover portion which covers the inside of calf of the right leg, and a cover supporting portion. The cover portion, which is generally rectangular in shape, is formed of, but not limited to, two layers. An outer layer which faces the environment is stitched to an inner layer that is in contact with the lower leg. Preferably, the outer layer is a heavier more rugged protective surface than the inner layer, and is preferably moisture and grease resistant. Preferably, the inner layer is a softer, less rugged woven or knitted material. The cover supporting portion includes preferably at least two spaced strap members which are adjustable, flat woven material. The spaced strap members are disposed substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the main section. Each strap member has complementary buckles, such as a male/female combination, connected to it. These buckles are used to secure the leg protecting apparatus to the bicyclist&#39;s leg.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to protective apparatuses and more particularly to an apparatus for protecting the calf of the leg and/or clothing worn near the calf of the leg from getting soiled by the chain oil of a bicycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When bicycles were first invented, they were powered through pedals mounted directly on the front wheel. Technological changes to the bicycle design ensued. One of these changes resulted in a drive train which consisted of a continuous chain from the front chainring, which was under the bicyclist, to the rear wheel sprocket. This drive train design is still popular, however a potential problem arose from this design. When the bicyclist's right leg is on the pedal, the leg passes closely to the chain as it is driven along the front chainring. It is common practice to lubricate the chain with oil or a similar anti-friction type of lubricant. This lubricant can rub against the bicyclist's leg or garments around the leg (such as a pant leg or sock) if the bicyclist accidentally moves the right leg too far inward. This lubricant, which is often dirty with grime from dust, sand, gravel and other contaminants could be transferred to the bicyclist's leg and/or clothing which can lead to cleaning costs and embarrassment.

[0003] Several attempts have been made to try to decrease the chance of soiling the leg or clothing. One such attempt was the metal chain guard. This guard was positioned around the front sprocket and along the top section of the chain. While the guard provided protection, it was often a nuisance to the cyclist when it became displaced into the nearby chain. This displacement at times resulted in a rubbing of the chain against the guard that produced an irritating sound to the cyclist, increased the wear on the chain, and lessened the efficiency of the bicycle.

[0004] Another attempt was the use of a clip. This clip was a strip of spring metal shaped to fit around a user's ankle. The user would fit the strip around the ankle and the bottom part of the trousers. While the clip helps keep the pants from getting caught between the chain and the chain ring, it does not help in keeping the calf portion of the leg or clothing from getting soiled from the lubricant.

[0005] Another attempt was the hook and loop strap, which effectively offered the same limited protection as the clip.

[0006] Other more informal attempts at keeping the lower portion of the leg from getting soiled were by using an elastic around the ankle; or holding the pant leg near the ankle tight with a clothes pin, or tying a string around the pants of the ankle, or pulling up a sock over the pant leg. While all of these attempts were somewhat effective in keeping the pant leg from getting caught between the chain ring and the chain, they did not lessen the chance of the calf portion of the leg or clothing from getting soiled.

[0007] Another attempt was the use of a protective disk which is slightly larger than the largest chainring and mounted to the outermost chainring. This also offers partial protection. Even though it keeps pant legs from getting caught between the chainring and chain, it does not offer any protection to the leg or pants from the exposed portion of the chain and it is not installed on many bicycles.

[0008] Another attempt was to use two hook and looped straps connected to a panel of woven material. These straps would allow the cyclist to position the woven material on the inner side of the lower right leg. While this decreased the chance of the pants getting caught between the chainring and chain and it protected the calf area of the leg or garments from getting soiled, it did not always fit tightly enough around the lower leg which resulted in occasional slippage of the woven panel. Also, the hook and looped material tended to loose it's holding power after extended use and washings. Also, at times the strap could end up in a position where it could get caught in the chain if the strap was too long for the cyclist's leg circumference.

[0009] As can be determined from above, the devices were only partially effective in offering protection to the bicyclist. Therefore there is a need for a new leg protecting apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies of earlier and current designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention seeks to provide a leg protecting apparatus which not only overcomes the shortcomings of previous devices and methods but also provides features and advantages not found in such devices. This leg protecting apparatus seeks to decrease the chance of getting the lower leg or garments soiled by the lubricant while riding the bicycle and to lessen the chance of the pant leg getting caught between the chainring and chain. Using bicycles for commuting to work and school is being utilized to a significant extent, so, a bicyclist using the apparatus lessens the possibility of being embarrassed because of a dirt leg or pant leg, and the cost of cleaning would decrease.

[0011] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for covering a portion of a leg, the apparatus comprising:

[0012] a cover portion; and

[0013] a cover supporting portion, the cover supporting portion including buckle members to enable securing the apparatus to the leg.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cover portion is generally rectangular in shape and comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer composed of a more rugged material than the inner layer. The cover portion is preferably composed of a woven fabric material, with the outer layer preferably composed of a moisture-resistant material, most preferably nylon, and the inner layer composed of fleece or mesh material. The preferably rectangular cover portion is preferably disposed such that the long axis of the cover portion is generally vertical. In preferred embodiments, the cover portion comprises a storage pocket. The invention is preferably directed to the calf area of the leg. The cover supporting portion preferably comprises at least two strap members, preferably but not necessarily disposed in substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other and substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to a vertical centre line of the cover portion. The strap members are preferably composed of moisture-resistant, woven material, and most preferably nylon webbing. The strap members are preferably of different lengths and stitched to the cover portion, with the buckle members in adjustable engagement with the strap members to accommodate various leg diameters.

[0015] A detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is given in the following. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as limited to this embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of one form of the leg protecting apparatus of the invention positioned on the inside of the lower right leg of a bicyclist;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a front view of the leg protecting apparatus in a flat configuration;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the leg protecting apparatus along any one of the strap members in a flat configuration, taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

[0020]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view from the right of the strap holding unit, taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0021] Referring now in detail to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the leg protecting device of the present invention generally referred to by the numeral 21.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, one form of the leg protecting apparatus 21 of the present invention is positioned over the inside of the calf 22 of the lower right leg 23 of a bicyclist of bicycle 24. The leg protecting apparatus 21 protects part or all of calf 22 and upper ankle 25 or clothing 26 from being soiled or damaged from chainring 27 and/or chain 28.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the leg protecting apparatus 21 of the present invention comprises a generally rectangularly configured cover portion 31, and a cover supporting portion 31 a. The cover portion 31 comprises a main calf cover section 32, an upper calf cover section 33, and an upper ankle cover section 34. The cover portion 31 has shorter upper and lower edges, 35 and 36 respectively, than the left and right edges 37 and 38 respectively.

[0024] The cover portion 31 preferably but not necessarily has a length between fifteen and forty centimetres and a width of approximately, but not limited to, one third to one half the length of the cover portion 31.

[0025] The cover supporting portion 31 a preferably consists of two strap members which are an upper strap member 39 and a lower strap member 40.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the cover portion 31 is preferably formed of washable, woven or knitted fabric materials of preferably two layers. The cover portion 31 has an outer layer 41 which faces the environment that is stitched to an inner layer 42 that is in contact with the lower leg 23. Preferably, the outer layer 41 is reflective or non-reflective nylon and is a heavier, more rugged protective surface than the inner layer 42, and is preferably moisture and grease resistant either by treatment with known chemicals or by the inherent characteristics of the fabric structure. An example of suitable material is 420 denier nylon for the outer layer 41. Preferably, the inner layer 42 is a softer, less rugged woven or knitted material such as, but not limited to, “fleece” or “jersey mesh”. The cover portion 31 may consist of one layer or a plurality of layers, but, as mentioned above, preferably two layers.

[0027] The cover supporting portion 31 a of the leg protecting apparatus 21 of the present invention includes preferably at least two spaced strap members 39 and which are adjustable and preferably formed of moisture and grease resistant flat woven material which could be, but not limited to, nylon webbing.

[0028] The spaced strap members 39 and 40 are disposed substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the main section. The strap members 39 and 40 are preferably stitched to the cover portion 31 preferably along the entire width of the said cover portion 31.

[0029] The upper strap member 39 and lower strap member 40 are of different lengths. The upper strap member 39 is approximately 35 to 65 centimetres in length while the lower strap member 40 is preferably approximately 60% to 90% the length of the upper strap member 39. Both strap members 39 and 40 are approximately 15 to 40 millimetres in width. The upper strap member 39 is secured to the cover portion 31 along or below the upper edge 35. Both strap members 39 and 40 are oriented with respect to the cover portion 31 so the left section 51 protrudes beyond the left edge 37 and the right section 52 protrudes beyond the right edge 38.

[0030] The left section of the strap member 51 is routed over and through the strap end side opening 53 of a female buckle 54 (but could also possibly be male or hermaphroditic) and looped back 55 over the left edge 37 and stitched under the left section of the strap member 51 onto, preferably, the outside layer 41 of the cover portion 31.

[0031] As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the right section of the strap member 52 is routed through a strap holder base 63 of a strap holder unit 64 then under and through the winding and engaging member 56 of the complementary buckle (in this embodiment it is male, but could possibly be female or hermaphroditic) 57 and doubled back 58 over the outside of the right section of the strap member 52. An intermediate section of the remaining length of the right end of the strap member 59, which depends on the circumference of the bicyclist's lower leg is inserted into the open ended arm 60 of the strap holder unit 64. The very end of the right end of the strap member 61 is looped onto itself preferably towards the outside and doubled back 65 and stitched onto itself 62 to provide a “block” which will stop the buckle 57 from sliding off the strap member.

[0032] A label 71 for identification, marketing, informative, etc. purposes can be stitched, or applied in different manners such as heat transferred, in virtual any section of the leg protecting apparatus 21 but preferably immediately below the upper strap member 39 and protruding over the main calf cover section 32 of the outside layer 41.

[0033] The leg protecting apparatus 21 of the present invention is fabricated by cutting fabric in a configuration to form the cover portion 31, preferably as a single piece with a number of pieces being combined into a plurality of layers. The free edges preferably are secured such as by stitching and hidden by turning the assembly inside out so the stitching is on the inside. Then, preferably, another top stitch is performed along the circumference. If desired, one or several decorative and/or informational labels 71 may be added on. Also, reflective material may be secured to the leg protecting apparatus in any desired spot.

[0034] Then the upper strap member 39 and lower strap member 40 are cut to their preferred lengths and the ends of the strap members are melted or manipulated in a manner that will inhibit fraying. Approximately 20 millimetres of the very left end of the strap member 66 is stitched onto the cover portion 31 and positioned over the left edge 37 of the cover portion 31. A buckle 54 is slid onto the remaining length of the strap member until it is positioned approximately 15 millimetres from 55 the left edge of the cover portion 37. The remaining length of the strap member is looped back 51 over the left edge 37 and positioned to protrude beyond the right edge of the cover portion 38 forming the right section of the strap member 52. The section of the strap member that lays over the cover portion 31 is stitched to the cover portion 31 preferably along the outside edges of the strap member.

[0035] The very end of the right end of the strap member 61 is routed through the strap holder base 63 of the strap holder unit 64 while the strap holder unit 64 is positioned with the open ended arm 60 facing the outside of the leg protector apparatus 31 configuration.

[0036] Then, the very end of the right end of the strap member 61 is routed under the front, then over the top, then back through the winding and engaging member 56 of the complementary buckle 57.

[0037] The very end of the right end of the strap member 61 is looped onto itself preferably towards the outside and approximately 10 millimeters is doubled backed 65 and stitched onto itself 62 to provide a “block” which will stop the buckle 57 from sliding off the strap member.

[0038] The leg protecting apparatus 21 is now ready for use.

[0039] The leg protecting apparatus 21 is positioned over the inside of the right calf 22 and wrapped around the bicyclist's calf 22 and preferably secured by inserting the complementary buckle 57 of the upper strap member 39 into buckle 54 in the vicinity of the front of the lower leg 22. Horizontally, preferably the leg protecting apparatus 21 is positioned in a manner where the left edge of the cover portion 31 is near the front of the lower leg 23 while the remaining material of the cover portion 31 is situated to the inside and back of the lower leg 22. Vertically, preferably the leg protecting apparatus 21 is positioned in a manner that the upper ankle cover section 34 is over the ankle or upper part of the bicyclist's ankle 25 allowing the remaining cover portion 31 to cover the calf 22 and upper section of the inside of the lower leg 23.

[0040] Once the buckles 57 and 54 are engaged, the end of the upper strap member 61 is pulled toward the outside and back of the lower leg 23 until the leg protecting apparatus 21 feels snug and comfortable. The winding and engaging member 56 of the complementary buckle allows the bicyclist to obtain a much tighter fit than the use of hook and loop technology. The strap member holder 64 is slid into a position to allow the remaining length of the strap member 59 to be inserted inside the open ended arm 60 of the strap member holder 64 in a manner that will lower the chance of the remaining length of the strap member 59 to flap around. The same is performed for the lower strap member 40.

[0041] In this position the leg protecting apparatus 21 of the present invention protects the bicyclist's leg and particularly the calf against accidental contact with the chainring 27 and/or chain 28 and the transfer of grease and other contaminants. Thus, a bicyclist can be sure that there is a much smaller chance that clothing or a bare leg is soiled which may require immediate attention to remove the soil or the risk of embarrassment by its continuing presence.

[0042] When the bicyclist is finished cycling, the leg protecting apparatus is removed by pressing the outer arms of the complementary buckles 57 of both the upper strap member 39 and the lower strap member 40.

[0043] Since preferably the leg protecting apparatus of the invention is moisture and grease resistant, it ordinarily does not soil as readily as bicyclist garments. However, when the apparatus finally does become soiled, it can be cleaned with generally accepted cleaning methods and/or products.

[0044] For convenient storage the leg protecting apparatus 21 can be folded into a small package to be slipped into a pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. This can be done by folding the upper ankle cover section 34 over the main calf cover section 32, then with the lower strap member around the outside of the main calf cover section 32, inserting the complementary buckle 57 of the lower strap member 40 into the buckle 54; then fold the upper calf cover section 33 over the upper ankle section 34, then with the upper strap member around the outside of the previously folded sections, insert the complementary buckle 57 into the buckle 54.

[0045] With minor adjustments, the leg protecting apparatus may be worn in an “inside-out” configuration.

[0046] This present invention also allows for the addition of a pocket, ideally in a position which will allow the top strap member 39 or bottom strap member 40 to be used as the lower edge of the pocket. The pocket would be stitched onto the cover portion 31 or created by cutting an opening in one of the layers 41 or 42 of the cover portion 31, and could be used to carry such items as a key, money, identification, etc.

[0047] While the above-identified drawing figures pertains to the right leg calf, simple design adjustments could be made to conform to the left leg if ever required.

[0048] The above description and the accompanying drawing show that the present invention provides an improvement to previous devices and methods. Also, this device may be used for other purposes. One such example is where it can be used to hold a sleeping bag into a rolled configuration.

[0049] The leg protecting apparatus of this invention is simple in design and can be fabricated from commercially available materials and components relatively inexpensively. The apparatus is durable in construction and has a long useful life without maintenance other than periodic cleaning.

[0050] The leg protecting apparatus accommodates a range of leg sizes and can be configured in different sizes to provide even a greater variety in leg size choice. It can be positioned and removed easily and quickly. The apparatus is attractive in appearance, can be reflective to add a level of safety, and is comfortable to wear. It can be stored conveniently in a small package, and can be used for other non-bicycling related applications.

[0051] While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiment. For example, the size, configuration and arrangement of components can be changed to meet specific requirements. The fabric from which the main and ankle covering sections are formed can be patterned or decorated or a logo applied if desired. Other types of fasteners can be employed. The invention is therefore to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims. 

Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus for covering a portion of a leg, the apparatus comprising: a cover portion; and a cover supporting portion, the cover supporting portion including buckle members to enable securing the apparatus to the leg.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover portion is generally rectangular in shape.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover portion comprises an outer layer and an inner layer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the outer layer is composed of more rugged material than the inner layer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover supporting portion comprises at least two spaced strap members.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least two strap members are disposed in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least two strap members are disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to a vertical centre line of the cover portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion of the leg is the inner calf area.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cover portion is disposed such that the long axis of the cover portion is generally vertical.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover portion is composed of woven fabric material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the outer layer is composed of nylon.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the outer layer is composed of a moisture-resistant material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the inner layer is composed of a fleece material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the inner layer is composed of a mesh material.
 15. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the strap members are composed of a moisture-resistant, woven material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the strap members are composed of nylon webbing.
 17. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the strap members are stitched to the cover portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the strap members are of different lengths.
 19. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the buckle members are in adjustable engagement with the strap members to accommodate various leg diameters.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover portion comprises a storage pocket. 